The Motley Crew

At the edge of Bethlehem, in a lopsided and worn-down barn, a group of abandoned animals spends their days in obscurity. The stable is home to a nearly blind sheep, a grumpy old camel, a curious parrot, a timid dog, and a croaky-voiced nightingale, and an adventurous raven all long forgotten by the townspeople who visit annually.

One night, their routine is unexpectedly disrupted by the arrival of a weary woman on a donkey, led by a kind man. Surprised and unsure of what to do, the animals band together in their own clumsy way to offer what little comfort they can. As they witness the birth of a miraculous child, the barn and its occupants are transformed. Through their actions, the animals come to realise that even the forgotten and unwanted can play a crucial role in a divine event.

This heartwarming Christmas story invites readers to experience the Nativity from the perspective of the often-overlooked creatures that shared the space with the Holy Family.